ABERDEEN have announced that the 34-year-old centre back has signed a new deal that will keep him at Pittidrie until at least 2014.

Anderson: "I started my career at Aberdeen and it's fitting that I'll finish my playing career here as well"

ABERDEEN have announced that influential club captain Russell Anderson has extended his contract for an additional twelve months and will remain at Pittodrie until at least the end of next season.

The 34-year-old centre back, who rejoined the club last year after an unhappy spell in England, was one of a number of players out of contract in the summer.

Since returning to Pittodrie after an injury-hit five years in England, Anderson has been a key player, making 32 appearances for the club and taking on the captaincy.

With doubt still surrounding the future of manager Craig Brown and his coaching staff, the news has been welcomed by the club's chief executive, Duncan Fraser.

"Russell's influence both on and off the park is absolutely immense and he is a club captain in the true sense of the word," said Fraser on the club's official website. "He has always said he wants to carry on playing for as long as he feels able to do so and everyone at the club is delighted for him."

Anderson is also looking forward to the challenge and to adding to his career total of 370 appearances for the Dons.

"I've always said the day I don't feel up for the rigours of the SPL I'll stop there and then," added Anderson on afc.co.uk, "but right now, I'm as fit as I have been and I'm really looking forward to at least another year playing.

"I started my career at Aberdeen and it's fitting that I'll finish my playing career here as well."